One of IWC’s most complicated big pilot watches, black and green
The iconic large pilot watch series of IWC Schaffhausen has important historical significance and has evolved from purely functional watches to more individual watches (if any). The idea of legibility and the extra-large case is still very active and serves the BP collection very well. In this year alone, several new models have been released, including the smaller time-only model, Big Pilot 43, the rather cool Top Gun “Mojave Desert” version and the incredible Schock Absorber XPL. The latest model of IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition Racing Green IW503005 adds complexity and color in the process.
When it comes to Big Pilot’s Watch, a few things are certain; the oversized case, the large diamond crown and the dial that is as clean and easy to read as possible. After all, the original Big Pilot’s Watch 52 SC had a very clear purpose, and this spirit has not changed much since then. However, as the necessity of such watches continues to evolve, so does the material and complexity. The current Big Pilot’s Watch series is available in steel, gold or high-tech (color) ceramics, and is equipped with everything from chronographs to very complex constant-power tourbillon movements.
Although steel and blue were presented as part of the permanent collection earlier this year, a new limited edition perpetual calendar was launched today with a vibrant racing green dial matte black 46.2mm diameter ceramic case. Over the years, IWC has considerable experience in this high-tech and scratch-resistant material. The company has created many all-ceramic watches in different colors, and even uses ceramic parts (except ball bearings) inside the movement. If you are interested in learning more, we recently conducted an in-depth review of the IWC Big Pilot’s perpetual calendar TOP GUN “Mojave Desert”, demonstrating IWC’s use of ceramics.
The racing green dial uses contrasting white markings, combined with gold-plated hands and moon phase discs. The chronograph pointer is filled with Super-LumiNova luminous material, and the calendar pointer has a red tip. Although the perpetual calendar has an additional display, the large dial has enough space to evenly distribute the sub-dial of the perpetual calendar, and still maintain a certain balance-this is one of the main advantages of the QP module developed by Kurt Klaus. All the additional information displayed will not have much impact on legibility.
Powering the Racing Green Big Pilot’s Watch QP is the internal 52615 movement. The movement consists of 386 parts, which can be admired through the sapphire crystal case back. It is equipped with the Pellaton automatic winding system, which is an efficient two-way pawl ceramic winding system that reduces wear. The movement is driven by the iconic skeletonized rotor, which provides a power reserve of up to 168 hours or 7 days.
Next to the central hour, minute, and second, it indicates the day of the week, date, month, year, and moon phase in the northern and southern hemispheres. An important factor to know is that all calendar indications can be adjusted through the crown and synchronized with each other. Therefore, if the watch’s battery runs out, you don’t need to worry about setting all displays. It is very convenient for this complicated situation.
IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition Racing Green IW503005 uses a black calfskin strap, decorated with a textile embossed pattern, and secured by a pin buckle.
Technical Specifications-IWC BIG PILOT’S WATCH PERPETUAL CALENDAR EDITION RACING GREEN
Case: 46.2 mm diameter x 15.4 mm height-matt black ceramic case-domed sapphire crystal glass with AR coating to prevent air pressure drop-sapphire back cover-Ceratanium screw-in crown-60 meters water resistance
Dial: racing green dial with luminous hour markers-gold-plated hours, minutes, seconds and power reserve hands, using luminous material-gold-plated hands, red tip, used for perpetual calendar indication-gold-plated moon phase-embedded perpetual calendar sub-dial And year window
Movement: IWC Manufacture Calibre 52615 – Pillerton automatic winding system – 386 components, including 54 jewels – 28,800vph – Côtes de Genève, perlage, skeleton rotor – 168 hours (7 days) power reserve – hours , Minutes, seconds, day of the week, date, month, year, 10,000-year moon phases in the northern and southern hemispheres, power reserve
Strap: Black calfskin strap with embossed fabric pattern-pin buckle
Reference: IW503005